Hi all, I have been on and off about this for a couple of years when I think about. I always had and still do have a hard time deciding whether or not to have a cutting/sewing table that is compact enough to be able to keep aside in an approx 37 inches to about say 27-30 inches. I have thought about the horn height adjusting sewing table but storing it will be a problem as it is too long.
I looked at the horn foldable cutting table but I believ it's over priced.
I did initially thought about purchasing a couple of regular folding tables from office supply stores like this
buy two for an extended work area and then store them when ever I am not sewing. which will cost just under $100 for the two and maybe one of them sew tables for my sewing machine...
What is your opinion? I am definitely not sure where to go so you thoughts will be valued.

The only problem with the plastic tables for sewing is that they have a tendency to bounce when you are sewing fast. I've been rethinking my 9 foot by 10 foot sewing room and would like to fasten a wide board, such as plywood, down one wall for my cutting and serging surface. Then use the underneath with cabinets as storage.

If you're not going to use it all the time, why not make something that folds down?

I'm with you--all the Horn furniture I've seen is very overpriced; for composite wood.

------"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

My hubby bought me a Somerton gate Leg Table that is only 30 inches high but has the same dimensions when opened up as my Joann cutting table. It can be stored with both sides down to only be 13X36 or as large as 65X36. It is heavy and sturdy and has shelf storage behind the door. Amazingly, I have found it is much easier for me to cut on a lower table since I am short. As an added bonus, we have moved it to the livingroom for a buffet table for appetizers when we have guests over.

I searched for months for the right fit for my tight space and my height- 5' 3-4". I ended up with a Martha Stewart gate leg table and love it. Have a look at the 8-page threadSpace efficient cutting table

as there are lots of helpful leads, comments on DIY and what folks like/dislike. There's a huge price range- under $100 - $2,000! I decided to go mid-range at just over $400- I hit a sale and did not pay the $500 in the link below.

The table is working great for me, although I haven't done an extended cutting session, for other standing work at a 31" height table, I'm comfy. I find myself using a rotary cutter more these days and a lower surface is better for me. My husband and I can go to bigger casters if I need more height. That would add cost- not insignificant.

It gives you all the dimensions and other details. My space really is tight and I like rolling the table out to where I can stand at all 4 sides; then I collapse to half size and tuck it back for daily use. Good luck in your search.

!!!???!!! These links are not working. Working on my iPad. Will try to fix on my laptop and sorry for inconvenience.

OK! Links working now. HTH. ~ Wendy ~

-- Edited on 3/27/13 11:42 AM --

------Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. Andy Rooney

I have the Horn cutting table with the cutting mat and love them. It has a very handy drawer where I store some of my smaller quilting supplies and also a ledge under the table that is perfect for laying some of my rulers. I leave mine up all the time. Even though it's pushed into a corner, it serves me well. I use it every time I sew and can't imagine doing without it.

I did call my dealer yesturday afternoon for 1. to find out if my 1120 is ready for pick and hoping to have it collected by Thursday (although my driver is not able to take me on Thursday so I will hopefully collect it tomorrow lol). 2.about the horn cabinets.

The Craft plus table by horn is on sale for $599. The sales rep who spoke to me said it's more practical I guess to have two separate work tables. My initial idea was to have a sewing/cutting table combo due to insufficient space but I guess it won't well as I hoped. When I go to my dealer (hopefully Friday morning) I will have a look at the horn table. But will maybe call to get a second opinion.

The downside to having one table for both uses is that it's not optimum height for either, unless it's adjustable. I use a banquet table for cutting, with 6-inch bed risers beneath each leg. It's 8 feet long, so it may be too long, depending on your area. It has folding legs, but the table surface doesn't fold and, being heavy, its VERY sturdy. Another option is to make table out of a flat surface that can be placed on sawhorses or drawer units. You can make it the proper height for cutting by your choice of drawer units and by adding spacers (like 1x2's or 2x4's) to the underside of the table surface where the supports are. You could remove the table surface and place against the wall when not using it. A piece of 3/4 inch plywood could be cut to size, or a hollow core door used (lighter than plywood, but I don't know what you need to use to stabilize the end if you cut it shorter). A house I used to live in had a kitchen counter mounted against one wall in the basement rec room for a hobby/craft area. This is a fairly inexpensive option, and you could even mount different sections at the proper height for cutting and for sewing.

I have both the new horn adjustable cutting table with the machine insert and the older horn craft tables with the fold down sides.

I used the fold down sides one when I was tight for space and its a great option. I had one for home and one for holiday cabin. they are a very useful table and good quality. I had my machine at one end and the other end for cutting. Now with more sewing space I have the one at home open with the wider adjustable table next to it. I like the higher height and those two combined with my HQ sitdown at the other end I have alot of surface.

I bought my Horn folding Craft tables on Ebay both in good condition i wouldn't pay the retail price as there always seems to be a few around second hand.

I have the Horn cutting table, an older one that came free with a sewing machine I bought back in 1999. Its wonderful and I would not be without it. Yes, they cost money to buy, but if you can get a better deal on them the castors are a very high quality, the laminate lasts very well against abuse of basting quilts, the hinges have never loosened despite constant use. I would buy another one without hesitation if I ever needed to, for whatever reason, knowing how well this has worked for me for quilt basting very large quilts including King Size, as well as for tracing and cutting activities. I do fold mine down between uses as the house we are currently in is too small to leave it up permanently. Its heavy to push around on thicker carpets though, something to be aware of. But that heaviness also works in my favour as it doesn't wobble when cutting at all.

------Quilting up a storm
Bernina Girl, in possession of a small herd.

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Sewing Spaces >> A good cutting/sewing table for someone with limited space.